Pacers cost themselves NBA Draft lottery position by winning finale
The Indiana Pacers finished the 2022-23 NBA season at 35-47, a 10-game improvement from the previous year. Their season-ending victory over the New York Knicks cost them position in the 2023 NBA Draft lottery, scheduled for May 16.
According to Tankathon.com, the team with the sixth-worst NBA record has a 37.2% chance of drawing a top-4 pick for the June 22 draft. That team has a 9% chance of getting the top overall pick, almost certain to be Frenchman Victor Wembanyama.
The Pacers, tied with the Washington Wizards with the 7th-worst record, will have roughly a 29% chance at a top-4 pick and a 6.8% chance of selecting first. Their positions will be determined in a random draw later.
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NBA worst records in 2022-23
Team / record / chance of top-4 pick / chance of No. 1 pick
Detroit / 17-65 / 52.1% / 14%
San Antonio, Houston / 22-60 / 52.1% / 14%
Charlotte / 27-55 / 48.1% / 12.5%
Portland / 33-49 / 42.1% / 10.5%
Orlando / 34-48 / 37.2% / 9%
Pacers, Washington / 35-47 / 29.4% or 29% / 6.8% or 6.7%
Other lottery teams have no better than a 20.3% chance at a top-4 pick or a 4.5% chance at the No. 1 pick.
The Indiana Pacers just lost nearly 10% in Top 4 Lottery equity by winning this final game.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 9, 2023
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NBA Draft lottery: Pacers lower chance at top-4, first overall pick
